Do the DOJ and NIO joint fund an £8 million a year programme to engage directly with paramilitary organisations?

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CLAIM: The DOJ and NIO joint fund an £8 million a year Programme for Tackling Paramilitary Activity and Organised Crime that funds engagement directly with paramilitary organisations, such as the UVF, UFF, RHC, and UDA.

CONCLUSION: INACCURATE. The cross-department Executive Programme for Tackling Paramilitary Activity and Organised Crime receives funds from the Northern Ireland Executive, and is not jointly funded by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Northern Ireland Office (NIO). To date, there is no evidence of funds being provided for engagement directly with paramilitary organisations by the programme.
 Continue reading Do the DOJ and NIO joint fund an £8 million a year programme to engage directly with paramilitary organisations?

Brexit box viral graphic fact check

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A graphic about what actions have been made by the European Union and the UK, respectively, since negotiations for the UK to leave the EU began on 29 March 2017 has been shared at least 74,000 times on Facebook. The infographic makes twelve separate claims; FactCheckNI has fact checked each of them. We interpret “has” with reference to the date of action delivered, not announced. Continue reading Brexit box viral graphic fact check

Is Irish the only language banned in Northern Ireland courts?

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CLAIM: Only the Irish language is banned in courts in Northern Ireland.

CONCLUSION: INACCURATE. English is the working language of court proceedings in Northern Ireland; interpretation and translation services are provided for those who do not speak or understand English. Whether this policy is informed by the Penal Laws is currently contested. Continue reading Is Irish the only language banned in Northern Ireland courts?

Is there a high level of support for restorative justice?

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CLAIM: There is a high level of public support for restorative justice as a method of dealing with young offenders.

CONCLUSION: UNSUBSTANTIATED. According to surveys collected by NISRA and by the Public Prosecution Service, a majority of respondents support either restorative justice or diversionary options generally. Continue reading Is there a high level of support for restorative justice?